Diehard GameFAN: Fire Emblem: Awakening Review

DHGF: After one of the weirdest localization backstories ever told, followed by a lengthy shipping delay, Fire Emblem: Awakening finally graces the Nintendo 3DS console. Chrom and company look great in 3D, in all their feet-less glory, and the movie sequences are some of the most impressive I’ve seen thus far on the system. Classic songs and sound effects are all present, as well as a nicely done dub, though the Japanese language track is present for those that prefer that. The story skirts dangerously close to archetype territory, but the unique and well written characters carry the plot, and their numerous exchanges will have you experimenting with the various pairings for hours on end. Being able to marry party members and bear children was a fantastic addition, and having the ability to turn permanent death off for the first time in an English release poises this as the most newcomer friendly entry in the franchise. How fortunate then, that this is also one of the best, if not THE best entry as well. With great characters, engaging battles, and quality DLC that manages to incorporate the series’ past, Fire Emblem: Awakening is one of the best 3DS games I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing, and the year is just getting started